What is Supplementing?

Homeowners that have filed a claim or contractors that work with insurance companies may have heard the term supplementing. I discuss what supplementing is below.

Supplementing Defined

I will define supplementing as the orderly addition of charges to an insurance claim. This happens for several reasons:

• Contractors estimate too low for repairs due to fluctuating commodities or other causes.
• The adjuster overlooks a damaged area during the inspection and estimate.
• Contractors found additional damage or code requirements during the repair process.
• Homeowners request additional work or upgrades that were not covered by the original claim.

The Process of Supplementing

Supplementers use a Work Change Order, which requires sign-off by the contractor and the homeowner. Change Orders are done by meeting with the adjuster on-site, demonstrating the reasons for the supplement with photographs or video, and filling out paperwork.

Contractors then submit the supplement to the insurance company for approval. Depending on the company and the amount of the supplement, this may take a few days or weeks. The insurance company approves, denies, or negotiates the supplement request.

Benefits

Supplementing can benefit both homeowners and contractors in several ways:

• Supplementing ensures that the property is restored to its pre-loss condition or better.
• It can prevent future problems or disputes arising from incomplete or substandard repairs.
• Increasing customer satisfaction and trust between all parties involved in the claim process is another benefit.

Challenges

Homeowners and contractors will have to deal with some challenges such as:

• The possible delay of completion of the repair work and the payment of the claim.
• Confusion or frustration if the supplement request is not clearly explained or justified.
• It can cause conflict or disagreement between the contractor and the adjuster if they have different opinions on the scope or cost of the work.

Additional Tips

Contractors and homeowners alike can make supplementing easy by following these steps:

• Homeowners should review their insurance policy and understand what is covered and what is not. The homeowner should also communicate their expectations and preferences to their contractor before signing any contract.
• Roofing contractors should inspect the property thoroughly and document any damage or code issues with photos and videos. The contractor should also provide detailed estimates and invoices that break down the costs of labor and materials.
• Both parties should maintain open and honest communication with each other and with the adjuster throughout the claim process. All parties should be flexible and willing to compromise if necessary.

Homeowners and roofing contractors supplement claims to get fair compensation for their property damage. By following these tips, supplementing can be a positive experience for everyone involved.